The Litter-Robot 5 Pro is a high-end gadget designed to handle the pesky task of cleaning up after cats, but its advanced features fall short. Despite promising health insights through facial recognition and waste analysis, it struggled to differentiate between my two felines, Smokey and Tuxedo. The machine’s dual camera system failed to accurately identify which cat was using the litter box, merging their data into two identical cat profiles.

While the 5 Pro excels as a pooper-scooper, with its larger bin and intuitive controls, its AI features are disappointing. The $8 monthly Whisker Plus subscription that promises health monitoring through WasteID didn’t deliver actionable insights, instead repeatedly failing to accurately identify waste types. The camera system also proved ineffective; it couldn’t tell Smokey apart from Tuxedo, making it impossible for the app to track their individual bathroom habits.

For those considering a litter robot, the Litter-Robot 4 offers comparable features at a lower price point and without the AI complications. The 5 Pro’s biggest letdown lies in its inability to accurately identify cats, which could be frustrating for cat owners seeking peace of mind or detailed waste tracking.

The machine also had issues with litter-level monitoring on its budget counterpart, the Litter-Robot Evo, which lacked an onboard scale and litter hopper accessory. However, both devices provide a cleaner solution for cat owners who travel frequently, leaving their pets in a more hygienic environment while they’re away.